Cleaning Water with CarbonFiber

Water quality purification using CarbonFiber is economical and effective
method. And it is low environmental impact. Active biofilm are formed by
high bioaffinity of CarbonFiber, and its microorganisms decompose contaminants.
On the other hand, CarbonFiber activates microorganisms and gather fishes.

What is CarbonFiber ?

CarbonFiber is a “fibrous carbon substance having a fine graphite crystal
structure” which is manufactured by carbonizing acryl fibers by a special
heat treatment process. (Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) type)

CarbonFiber is generally said to be a “light, strong, corrosion-resistant”
advanced functional material.
It is widely used in diverse applications, taking advantage of its combination of properties as a lightweight materials with excellent mechanical properties, and its excellent properties as a carbon material.
・Specific strength (tensile strength/specific weight): 10x that of steel.
・Specific modulus (tensile modulus of elasticity/specific weight): 7x that of steel.
・Applications: Aircraft, automobiles, reinforcing material for concrete structures, fishing rods, golf clubs, etc.

CarbonFibers for use as a water purification materials are given a special
surface treatment to cause the fibers to expand in water.

CarbonFibers for water purification consist of clusters (bundles) of 12,000
ultra-fine, 7μm filaments.

Functions of CarbonFiber

Pollutants in water are adsorbed on the large surface area of the CarbonFibers.

At the same time, microorganisms in the water are attracted and fixed.

Due to their high biocompatibility, the CarbonFibers form an active microorganism
film and become a habitat for the microorganisms.

The microbial film sways in the water, capturing and decomposing pollutants. → Water purification.

The microorganisms are activated, attracting fish and creating a habitat for egg-laying and the growth of young fish. → Formation of seaweed bed.

Effects include water purification, preservation of the ecosystem, and securing biodiversity.

When immersed in water, a water-soluble sizing agent dissolves, and the
filaments unravel and spread.

Pollutants are adsorbed and microorganisms are fixed on the large surface
area of the CarbonFiber.

Bio film
( radical sludge)

Microorganism
(microscope photo)

● Mechanism of Water Purification

Swaying of the CarbonFibers causes movement
of the water and decomposition of pollutants.

Main nutrients and metabolism products
of microorganisms in microbial film.

・Difficult to produce effects in environments with few microorganisms, and time is required.
→ Countermeasure：Seed microorganisms
・Effect is reduced by deposits of excess sludge, e.g., skeletons of microorganisms, etc.
→ Countermeasure：Maintenance control
・Aerobic bacteria are not activated in oxygen-poor environments.
→ Countermeasure：Aeration equipment
・When no water flow exists, purification is not possible because pollutants do not come into contact with microorganisms.
→ Countermeasure：Circulating water flow
・When a large amount of pollutants is adsorbed, time is required for decomposition.
→ Countermeasure：Maintenance control

”Large effects are achieved by activation of microorganisms with appropriate oxygen and water flow.”

● Features of Microorganism Groups Fixed on CarbonFiber

Microorganism fixing rate is fast, and the amount fixed is large.

Deposited microorganisms resist peeling off, and at the same time, their activity is high.

Within the groups of microorganisms deposited on the fibers, the aerobic microorganism phase and anaerobic microorganism phase exist in a well-dispersed state.

Microorganisms with high bulk are deposited on the CarbonFiber bundles.
A type of pump motion in the moving water and swaying of the CarbonFiber
bundles causes mass transfer and accelerates the decomposition of pollutants.

The range of effect is expanded by the coexistence of a microorganism multiplication action, which is due to CarbonFiber actvates the initial phase of deposition of aerobic bacteria, with groups of microorganisms.

Amount of CarbonFiber Installed

The amount installed is calculated based on various conditions, including
the shape of the water area, water depth, water quality, flow velocity,
residence time, etc.

Location of installation

Purpose

Amount of CarbonFiber g/m³

Pond, lake/marsh, sea

Water purification

１０〜１００

River

Water purification

１００〜２００

Sewage/factory wastewater

Water purification

２００〜６００

Pond, lake/marsh, sea

Seaweed bed formation

１０〜２００

CarbonFiber Water Purification Method

With CarbonFiber, a large water purification effect can be obtained simply
by installing the CarbonFibers in water. However, the manner in which this
effect appears differs greatly, depending on site conditions such as the
water area, water depth, amount of water, water flows, water quality, etc.
and the method of installation and amount of CarbonFiber installed. In
cases where higher cost-effectiveness is required in water purification,
the optimum installation plan is necessary.

It is important for miracarbon to swing in water. The way of using is
decided by the purpose, the pollution extent,
and the site situation,･･･etc.
1．HANGING in the water.
2．FIXING in the water.
3．FLOATING in the water.
4．BOTTOM-LAYING in the water.